Virgin and Child

Gallery 309, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

Virgin and Child

c. 1500

Workshop of Andrea della Robbia (Italian (active Florence), 1435–1525)

Images of the Virgin and Child could be found in many homes in fifteenth-century Florence. The intimate and tender portrayal of mother and infant as if seen through a window with a ledge was popularized in both painting and sculpture, thought to help children learn about religion.

The della Robbia family became famous for inventing the technique of making molded and glazed ceramic sculptures. These could be replicated in some numbers, perhaps making them affordable for relatively modest households.

Gallery 309, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Virgin and Child

Date:

c. 1500

Artist:

Workshop of Andrea della Robbia (Italian (active Florence), 1435–1525)

Medium:

Glazed earthenware

Dimensions:

22 3/4 x 14 3/4 x 5 5/8 inches (57.8 x 37.5 x 14.3 cm) Framed: 32 7/8 x 19 7/8 x 5 3/4 inches (83.5 x 50.5 x 14.6 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. Harry Payne Bingham, 1956

Accession Number:

1956-45-6

Geography:

Made in Italy, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Gallery 309, European Art 1100-1500, third floor

Main Building

Museum map